Read more about child trafficking:

One of the properties searched was that of Gen Becerra, whom police suspect of being a key accomplice in the criminal scheme allegedly led by his 32-year-old partner, Cinthia Tello.

Gen Becerra, 61, led Peru's national police force from 2010 until his retirement in 2011. Neighbours said Ms Tello ran local beauty contests and organised public events.

Investigators say the gang looked for poor pregnant women who were considering having abortions because they felt they could not afford to bring up a child.

The gang then allegedly offered the women enough money to convince them to carry to term and would then sell their babies at huge profit.

Investigators allege the babies were sold for 4,000 Peruvian soles ($1,187; £900). Police are still investigating whether the children were sold to foreign couples looking to adopt or to organ trafficking gangs.

A gynaecologist and a paediatrician are among those arrested, as well as three women who allegedly "fished" for pregnant women by pretending to offer illegal abortions.

Abortion is currently only allowed in Peru when a woman's physical or mental health is at risk.